Gambling involves wagering something of value on an event that is unpredictable, with the goal of winning something else of value. It includes games of chance, such as lotteries, horse racing, and poker. It also includes activities where skill is involved, such as bridge or chess. The first evidence of gambling is found in ancient China, where tiles were discovered that appear to depict a rudimentary game of chance. In modern times, the most common form of gambling is betting on sporting events, especially football (soccer). It is estimated that about $10 trillion is legally wagered each year around the world.
There are many ways to help someone overcome a gambling problem, including support groups, psychotherapy, and family therapy. Physical activity is also an effective tool, and some research has shown that it can reduce the urge to gamble. People with gambling disorders can also seek treatment for other conditions that may contribute to their disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes that influence behavior and can help individuals with gambling disorder gain a better understanding of their past behaviors. Other psychotherapy treatments include group therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
In addition to helping individuals understand the causes of their gambling problems, therapists can teach them skills to control their emotions and avoid gambling triggers. They can also help them confront irrational beliefs, such as the belief that a string of losses or a near miss—such as two out of three cherries on a slot machine—will signal an imminent win. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also teaches people to practice self-control, and it has been found to be particularly effective for people with gambling disorders.
Gambling can be viewed in a variety of ways, including as an individual social pathology, a societal menace, a viable tool for economic development, and a means of assisting deprived populations. Each perspective has some merit, and it is important to understand how these differing views can be reconciled.
The most significant challenge when assessing the effects of gambling is capturing the impacts that affect others outside of the gambler. These impacts are often not monetary and are difficult to measure. As a result, they are frequently overlooked in the impact assessment process.
A key insight into why these intangible social costs are so hard to capture is Miles’ Law, which states that “where you stand depends on where you sit.” Elected officials who stand to benefit from gambling may support it even if it causes social problems, while bureaucrats at agencies who are promised gaming revenue may be reluctant to oppose it for fear of losing their jobs. Consequently, there is a lack of consensus on the best method for evaluating and quantifying these social costs. However, there is an opportunity to improve this situation by incorporating a public health approach, which can help identify and assess non-monetary impacts on the gambler and their significant others. These can then be incorporated into an impact assessment framework.